jc33

Just wondering if anyone has done the hilly and what they thought of it, I am thinking about doing it.

ftsoft

I've done it 10 or 11 times. It's a really good ride weekend. The hills aren't really that bad and since it's only 50 miles/day it's a nice way to usher out the hard riding of summer.

Frank

tat57

Great ride, some of the prettiest country Indiana has to offer. Three great stops each day with food, drink and music. Hills no where near mountains, people and bikes of all kinds and really well put together. A great way to wind down a summer of cycling providing the weather stays nice.

SSIndyRider

There's some nice steepness to some of the hills. Often the weather is great - usually chilly in the morning, but often sunny and clear. There's about 5,000 people each day, but it's not a mass start, so there's a steady stream along the whole route. Support is very good - lots and lots of portolets at the stops, plenty of food and fluids. Participants vary from weekenders on comfort bikes and tandems with kids on the back to the hard core.

Psimet2001 

As a kid I used to work band boosters providing food concessions during packet pickup....That was at least 25 years ago.

Last time I rode it was in 1993.

It's a great ride. Very well run and very popular. You don't get many opportunities to ride with that many people.

If you are even remotely considering it I would definitely recommend following through.

Every year it seems like something comes up and gets in the way. This year I am attending a convention in Las Vegas the whole week and flying back into Ohare on Friday. I don't see any way I can make it there in time.

Next year I guess.

EDIT: ..and it's not THAT hilly. It is split over 2 days and the climbing isn't impossible. It's a great ride.

PappyD

I've ridden the Hilly many, many times. First time in 1979 while a student at Indiana University. It really is the macdaddy of fun rides. You will see all kinds of riders and bikes from all over the world. Depending upon your interests there is something for everyone. Great support, great vendors, and very well planned. It moved to Elletsville, In (Edgewood HS) a couple of years ago. Some folks complained, but the ride had really outgrown the old Bloomington North HS site. The campground area takes on refugee-look. Tents everywhere...but not too crazy...

The route is a challenge if your out of shape or not used to hills, but you do have all day.

I'll be there with a couple of teen sons. We'll do the volunteer gig and ride for free.

Here's the link- https://www.hillyhundred.org/

PappyD

jc33

Really the only thing stopping me is the prices of hotels in that area for those nights. Maybe I should just camp, although a shower would be a nice thing to have.

Psimet2001 

Try Columbus, IN - from what I remember the prices were reasonable there the last few years. Also try South side of Indy or Martinsville.

jc33

ill look into it thanks psimet

jc33

Well i did it, i registered and booked a hotel room, talked the wife into coming along and leaving the kid at home with my parents ( Im not sure how i managed all that). Hopefully it doesnt rain.

Psimet2001 

...and if it does rain you have the weekend alone with your wife in a hotel room....HELLO!!!

SSIndyRider

Another option if you want to bring kid(s) is seeing if there's any room in the lodge at McCormick's Creek State Park near Spencer. It's not far from Elletsville and is a nice big state park for the kids to enjoy - depending on age. Horseback riding, hiking, pool (though maybe not in Oct.). They also have cabins in addition to camping and camper/RV spots. The ride actually goes quite close to the park too.

jc33

ah yes musn't let my OCD about bicycles get the best of me.

jc33

Thanks, she's probably a little young though, not quite two. I'll keep it in mind for next year, if i do it again.

Psimet2001 

Ahhhhh....McCormick's Creek. I still carry a cigarette burn from my father I received there. Sounds horrible, but total acident. Still....it's one of those moments I remember from being a child.

From what I remember the cabins fill 1 year in advance, as soon as they are available for booking. The lodge usually has rooms though...again...IIRC.

SpinningHoosier

I'm heading down to B-town for this also. It'll be my third time. Just note that the safety video at registration is a bit painful, but everyone has to go through it. Just park yourself close to the exit doors so that you can pick-up your packet soon afterwards.

If you can head down on Friday, that's even better. However, with childcare that might be difficult.

Coming from Chicago, I hope you get some time in going up the local parking ramps!

Scummer

I'm not in for the Hilly Hundred this year. House repairs and cleanup still take precedence.

Thomas

SmokinMiles

My mom and I will be there this year! Looking forward to it.

tjspahr

Have you done the ride before? If not, you should really enjoy it...it's an extremely well organized and supported ride.

SmokinMiles

I haven't ridden it before. I've heard nothing but good about it so fingers crossed that the weather cooperates.

jc33

According to the weather channel its supposed to be 62 and sunny, sounds good to me, hopefully it really is like that.

SmokinMiles

That sounds great. Autumn should be in its splendor there as well. I already can't wait for the weekend.

dobovedo

+1 on the "nice way to usher out the hard riding of summer". Hilly Hundred really is a nicely run ride and the routes are scenic and fun. I've done it the last three years, and am bummed I'll be missing it this year.

Enjoy!

(hey Frank)

ftsoft

Hey Dobo!

Looks like it's going to be a little nippy this year.

runwithit

yep... and i'm camping out. should be nice and frigid on the toes friday and saturday night.